Container systems

Abstract

Container systems. Closure systems. Related processes.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A container system comprising: a container with an opening that provides access to a storage volume; and a lid hingedly connected to the container, the lid having a closed position in which the lid covers the opening and an open position in which the lid does not cover the opening, the lid having a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion is non-integrally connected to the second portion, and wherein moving the first position to a second position allows the lid to be moved from the closed position to the open position
 wherein the lid comprises a first engagement member, and wherein the container comprises a second engagement member that lockably engages with the first engagement member when the lid is in the closed position, and wherein moving the first portion from the first position to the second position allows the engagement members to disengage. 
 
     
     
       2. The container system of  claim 1 , wherein the container comprises a body and a frame that is connectable to the body. 
     
     
       3. The container system of  claim 2 , wherein the lid is hingedly connected to the frame. 
     
     
       4. The container system of  claim 1 , wherein the second portion includes a top wall having an outwardly facing outer surface and an inner surface opposite the outer surface, wherein the first portion faces the inner surface of the second portion. 
     
     
       5. The container system of  claim 1 , wherein the first portion has a smaller periphery than the second portion. 
     
     
       6. The container system of  claim 1 , wherein the first portion comprises a push pad. 
     
     
       7. The container system of  claim 6 , wherein the push pad, when pressed, is moveable radially inwards towards a center axis. 
     
     
       8. The container system of  claim 1 , wherein the second portion comprises at least one aperture through which at least one push pad is accessible. 
     
     
       9. The container system of  claim 1 , wherein the first portion is rotatable relative to the second portion. 
     
     
       10. The container system of  claim 9 , wherein the second portion includes projections that prevent rotation of the first portion until the push pad is pressed. 
     
     
       11. The container system of  claim 1 , wherein the first portion, the second portion, or both comprise a biasing structure that returns the first portion to the first position after movement to the second position. 
     
     
       12. The container system of  claim 11 , wherein the first portion comprises the biasing structure. 
     
     
       13. The container system of  claim 1 , wherein the first portion comprises the first engagement member. 
     
     
       14. The container system of  claim 13 , wherein the first engagement member is a latch, and the second engagement member is a catch. 
     
     
       15. The container system of  claim 14 , wherein the closure system includes biasing means that biases the lid in the open position so that when the first and second engagement members are not engaged, the lid is urged to the open position. 
     
     
       16. The container system of  claim 1 , wherein the closure system includes biasing means that biases the lid in the open position. 
     
     
       17. The container system of  claim 16 , wherein the biasing means is a thermoplastic elastomer. 
     
     
       18. The container system of  claim 1 , wherein the open position is predetermined, and the angle θ formed by the relative positions of the lid in the closed position compared to the open position is from about 90° to about 150°. 
     
     
       19. The container system of  claim 1 , wherein the container contains a household care product.